Early Grades for Arizona Diamondbacks' Starting Rotation, Bullpen

Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation took a huge hit in March when ace Patrick Corbin had Tommy John surgery. Without Corbin, the rest of the rotation more or less fell apart, and has already undergone shuffling barely three weeks into the season. The rotation ranks last in all of baseball in staff ERA; the bullpen has been better, ranking 14th in collective ERA. Here are early grades for the Diamondbacks’ rotation and bullpen.

Wade Miley - A

Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY Sports

Wade Miley - A

Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY Sports

2-2 record, 4.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP

Forced into the first slot in the rotation in Corbin’s absence, Miley has been his team’s most consistent starter. His two wins on the season also sadly represent 40 percent of the Diamondbacks’ team total. Arizona needs Miley to keep anchoring them this year.

Brandon McCarthy - C

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Brandon McCarthy - C

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

0-3 record, 7.11 ERA, 1.42 WHIP

The Diamondbacks need more from their No. 2 starter, whose performance is one of many weak spots in the rotation this year. He leads the staff in both hits allowed and runs allowed, despite only pitching the second-most innings.

Josh Collmenter/Randall Delgado - C

Josh Collmenter/Randall Delgado - C

When Delgado struggled in the No. 3 slot in the rotation, the Diamondbacks sent him to the bullpen and replaced him with reliever Collmenter, who hasn't fared much better.

Bronson Arroyo - B

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Bronson Arroyo - B

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

1-1 record, 9.95 ERA, 1.97 WHIP

Despite his sky-high ERA, Arroyo is one of only two Diamondbacks starters who actually won a game so far this year, which gives him major credit. Still, the team brought him in as a veteran presence to anchor the rotation from the four slot, and so far he hasn't really done that.

Mike Bolsinger/Trevor Cahill - D/F

Matt Kartozian - USA TODAY Sports

Mike Bolsinger/Trevor Cahill - D/F

Cahill literally receives an F so far, in light of his recent demotion to the bullpen. Called up to replace Cahill, Bolsinger didn't do much better in his first career major league start last night. At the same time, he's still a rookie and therefore has a little leeway.

Bullpen - B

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen - B

Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

2-2 record, 3.46 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 5-8 SVO

Despite the inconsistent starting pitching it follows, the Diamondbacks' bullpen hasn't been terrible this year, converting five of eight possible save chances. As a whole, the bullpen ranks first in baseball in both strikeouts and innings pitched, and closer Addison Reed has just one blown save.

Curt Schilling and the New York Yankees took action against two terrible online commenters responding to tweets directed at Schilling's daughter, and their proactive response was commendable. Read More

Everyone knows players like Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro will have a great impact on the 2015 Cubs season. However, some may not be aware of these fiv players who could make an impact. Read More

The Pittsburgh Pirates already have two extremely talented outfielders in Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen. See why a breakout from Gregory Polanco could give them the best outfield in MLB. Read More